SUNBURY - Jim King's 25-year career as executive director of Northumberland County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) will most likely come to an abrupt end at the end of the month.

Citing the IDA's inability to lure sufficient industry to the county over the years and a desire to move in a "different direction" with the authority, Northumberland County Commissioners Vinny Clausi, Merle Phillips and Frank Sawicki agreed Tuesday afternoon to appoint county planning director Pat Mack to the dual role of IDA executive director at no additional financial compensation. The appointment is effective July 1.

When contacted Tuesday night, IDA Authority Chairman Ned Sodrick said the IDA sent a letter to the commissioners about a month ago requesting their assistance in dealing with the authority's lack of finances to fund the executive director position. He said the commissioners' decision to appoint Mack to the dual position at no extra compensation followed a regular meeting and executive session conducted by the authority Tuesday morning in which it decided not to fund King's position any longer.

King had previously submitted correspondence to the authority requesting to be paid $170,166 for services rendered since 2004.

King, who did not attend Tuesday's commissioners' meeting, has served as IDA executive director since 1987.

The 70-year-old Winfield resident, who came under attack by Clausi at a commissioners' meeting in February for alleged ineffectiveness as IDA executive director, said the IDA didn't have enough money to pay him some years, so he accrued the salary, which he said currently totals $170,166.

According to the correspondence sent by King to the authority, the following amounts are owed to the executive director:

$32,500 in 2004; $20,750 in 2005; $17,500 in 2006; $20,971 in 2007; $3,445 in 2008; $32,500 in 2009; $32,500 in 2010, and $10,000 in 2011.

When asked about the commissioners' action Tuesday, King, who is employed by the IDA and county Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), said he wasn't informed about their intention to appoint Mack to his position until the IDA meeting earlier in the day. Other than making a few comments off the record, King, who was disturbed about the commissioners' appointment, reserved comment about his future until he receives official notification from the IDA about its decision to replace him.

If IDA members, who are appointed by the commissioners, vote in favor of naming Mack as the new executive director, King said he may retire. King, who receives an annual salary of $32,500, is a disabled veteran whose salary was cut approximately 17 percent in 1992 by the IDA due to a lack of funding.

Sodrick said, "The authority believes Jim (King) earned the money he accrued. He was never paid for his services going back to 2004 because the authority didn't have the money to pay him. We are in the process of finding a way to pay Jim the approximate $170,000 he requested. But we also have verbally told him that his services will no longer be needed after June 30."

Sodrick, who noted all the IDA board members are volunteers, said the authority plans to approve Mack's appointment by the commissioners as IDA executive director as soon as possible.

The IDA chairman said Mack will have a huge responsibility to handle in both positions. He said the authority will be willing to help him in any way.

'Thrilled for the opportunity'

Sodrick said the IDA's mission is to coordinate economic activity in the county, serve as a lender of last resort, assist businesses in locating in the county and offer expertise to businesses and industries.

Mack said he was honored by the commissioners' confidence in appointing him to the important position of IDA director.

"I'm thrilled for the opportunity to help the county attract more industry," Mack said. "I don't think it will conflict with my duties as planning director."

Mack, who is paid approximately $39,000 as planning director, said he doesn't mind not receiving additional compensation for his new duties. He has served as planning director since February 2010.

On Tuesday, Clausi stated, "I am very concerned about Mr. King claiming that the IDA owes him approximately $170,000. How does that happen? We want to go in a new direction by restructuring the IDA. Naming Mr. Mack to the dual position of planning director and IDA executive director is something we feel had to be done to go after businesses. We can't continue to operate the IDA like it has been run for the past 30 years. A change had to be made. I tried to do this a couple years ago, but was shot down."

Clausi said he is currently in negotiations with five different industries interested in locating in Northumberland County.

Phillips agreed with Clausi that a change had to be made in IDA leadership.

"This is the right move to make," Phillips said. "The IDA is a tremendous tool for the county. Northumberland County is a great county, but we aren't promoting it enough through the IDA. We have to make sure we have the buildings to offer industries interested in locating here, and I think this change will make a big difference in promoting industry in the county."

Sawicki, who also voted to appoint Mack as executive director, reserved comment.

On Feb. 1, the commissioners suspended economic development loans made with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding because the county's IDA failed to submit substantial documentation.

The action was taken in accordance with a mandate by the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

In addition to unanimously rescinding a motion passed in October that authorized the lending of CDBG funds through DCED, the commissioners in February appointed Jim Backes (four-year-term) of Coal Township, Joe Pancerella (three-year term) of Kulpmont, Matthew Markunas (two-year term) of Northumberland and Merle Phillips (one-year term) of Sunbury RD to the IDA board to fill vacancies. They replaced Maureen Hauck, Victor Klein, Keith Tressler and Terry Moll. Other members of the IDA board are Gene Zartman of Selinsgrove, Maria Culp of Milton, Sodrick of Paxinos, Attorney Roger Wiest II of Sunbury and King.

At that time, King acknowledged the commissioners had the right to appoint whoever they wanted to the IDA board, but said other people had been nominated for vacancies, but were never appointed. "We are all in favor of economic development, but this shows a lack of communication," King said.

Clausi responded, "There has been a lack of communication in your office for the past 15 to 20 years."

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area (MCA) Superintendent Cheryl Latorre may have a new job for the next school year.

She has applied for the superintendent's job at Danville Area School District, but the Montour County school has yet to act on hiring its new chief administrator.

MCA School Board President Rose Marquardt said Tuesday she was unable to confirm or deny rumors of Latorre's departure, and referred all questions to Latorre.

Contacted Tuesday, Latorre would only say: "There was an opening at Danville and I have applied for it."

Danville Area School Board President Allen Schappert spoke Monday as if the application process was ongoing.

"We have about 12 applicants, and if someone wants to come and apply for the job, they are more than welcome," he said.

He said the board is in the process of scheduling interviews with candidates later this month.

"There is no timeline for picking someone," Schappert said.

The Danville board meets Tuesday, while Mount Carmel Area's board meets for a work session on the budget on Thursday, June 16, and for a regular meeting on June 22.

The job at Danville has been open for nearly a year, since former superintendent Susan Bickford retired June 30 to return to the State College area, where she once taught and her husband worked.

David Price has been Danville's acting superintendent since then.

Latorre has been in education for the past 31 years, starting her career in 1980 as a teacher at St. Ignatius School in Centralia.

After the mine fire shut down the school, she became a permanent substitute at MCA for one year, then was hired as a full-time teacher.

She was named assistant superintendent in 2005, then appointed as superintendent later that year, after Richard Beierschmitt retired.

COAL TOWNSHIP - At age 17, James Madara willingly left his junior year of high school and enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. On Tuesday - nearly 70 years later - he was presented his high school diploma as the newest member of Shamokin Area High School's class of 2011.

Madara, 87, of East Cameron Township and a native of Shamokin, was surprised when his grandson, Wesley, who will graduate from Shamokin Thursday, handed him the diploma during a senior awards ceremony at Shamokin Area Middle-Senior High School.

Madara, who would have graduated in 1943, received a loud applause from members of the class of 2011, district staff, families and friends.

The emotional moment was made possible by "Operation Recognition," a piece of legislation passed in June 2001 that authorized school districts to grant a high school diploma to any honorably discharged veteran who served in the United States military in World War II between Sept. 16, 1940, and Dec. 31, 1946.

Madara also qualified to receive his diploma during Tuesday's ceremony because he attended high school between 1937 and 1946 and would have been a member of a graduation class between 1941 and 1950, but did not graduate due to entry into military service. He is eligible to receive a diploma from Shamokin Area because he is a resident of the district and attended Shamokin High School, a predecessor of the current district.

"It's a great way to recognize the men who have made sacrifices to help preserve our freedom," high school Principal Chris Venna said. "It's a great story and it had special significance since Wesley is also about to graduate."

Serving his country

Madara was born on April 21, 1924. At 16, he wanted to enlist in the Navy, but was rejected because of his age. At 17, and with his parents' permission, he was accepted into the Navy. He left his classmates behind at the Shamokin High School, formerly located at Eighth and Arch streets, Shamokin.

He began his military career as an apprentice seaman and progressed through the ranks as first class seaman, third class petty officer and finally earned his second stripe as a second class gunner's mate. He served in the South Pacific on the U.S.S. President Adams, where he earned two gold stars for his involvements in the Battle of Saipan and the Battle of Guam as a member of a landing craft control boat.

In 1945, he earned a weekend pass for the Christmas holidays. He sent word home to his sweetheart, Margaret, whom he wed on Christmas day. He went back to his ship the very next morning, and the couple have been married for 65 years.

"I went down to Pearl Harbor, and served on the rifle and pistol range on Maui until I was called to the big island," he said. "Believe it or not, they gave me the papers to come home the day the war ended."

Through the years, he worked in the plumbing, heating and electric fields. He and Margaret have two children, Linda and Ferdie, six grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Earning his diploma

Venna said Madara's son, Ferdie, contacted the district several months ago to see if his father would be eligible for a diploma. School records verified that Madara left school during the required time, and proper military paperwork confirmed his service. The district ordered a diploma and arranged to have his grandson present it during the awards ceremony.

Just moments before the ceremony began, Madara shook hands with his grandson and asked him if he was ready.

"Yes. Are you ready Pap?" was his reply.

"It's a great thing," Madara said before accepting his diploma. "I have no regrets about enlisting. That's what I wanted to do."

SUNBURY - Northumberland County will save approximately $200,000 over a five-year period through the purchase and installation of a new telephone system, according to county officials.

On Tuesday, the county commissioners approved a lease purchase agreement for a new countywide phone system that will replace the current services provided by various companies.

Commissioner Vinny Clausi and county budget director Jeff McClintock said the county will initially spend more than $200,000 to purchase and install the system. Through a lease purchase agreement with M&T Bank for the new voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) system, the county will pay approximately $50,000 a year in loans for five years, but realize a savings in general operating costs of approximately $40,000 after the first year and approximately $200,000 over the five-year loan period.

After the loan is paid off, the county will save approximately $90,000 per year for the new phone system, Clausi and McClintock said.

McClintock said the county will purchase the Avaya phone system from Ironton in Coplay and pay Service Electric to install the system.

SHAMOKIN - Christina Coller has been named the valedictorian of the Class of 2011 at Shamokin Area High School. Hannah Martin has been named salutorian of the class.

The remaining top five students are Cassidy Coveleski, third; Eric Shultz, fourth, and Persephanie Wywadis, fifth.

Valedictorian

Coller is a daughter of David and Wendy Coller, of Coal Township.

Her activities include National Honor Society, chorus, musical, dual enrollment and Young Scholars. She is president of SATV.

She plans on attending Shippensburg University to major in psychology.

Salutatorian

Martin is a daughter of Keith and Karen Martin, of Shamokin.

Her activities include band, cross country, varsity club, student council, interact club, Students Against Bullying club and National Honor Society. She is president of the orchestra and captain of the girls basketball team.

She will attend Kutztown University to major in human kinetics.

Cassidy Coveleski

Coveleski is a daughter of Michelle Pancher, of Shamokin.

Her activities include Bible club, student council, math club, chemistry club, SADD, SATV, science olympiad, art club, musical, National Honor Society and dual enrollment. She is president of Interact club and treasurer of the Key Club.

She plans on attending Lycoming College to major in chemistry.

Eric Shultz

Shultz is a son of James and Debra Shultz, of Shamokin.

His activities include National Honor Society, cross country, swimming and diving, track and field, varsity club and dual enrollment. He is the editor of Indian Times.

He plans on attending Penn State University to major in journalism.

Persephanie Wywadis

Wywadis is a daughter of daughter of Steven and Janine Wywadis, of Coal Township.

Her activities include National Honor Society, band, orchestra, chorus, chemistry club, Envirothon, environmental club, musical and dual enrollment.

She plans on majoring in civil engineering at Penn State University.

The National Weather Service forecasted temperatures approaching record highs in the mid-90s today and Thursday, before cooling down into the low 80s this weekend with the possibly of rain.

"Temperatures will be close to record highs, but it's unlikely they will pass them," said Kevin Fitzgerald of the National Weather Service.

Record temperatures in Williamsport are 98 for today and 99 for Thursday; record temperatures in Harrisburg are 96 for today and 97 for Thursday.

Humidity levels will also be higher, peaking on Thursday at approximately 65 percent, said Fitzgerald.

Rain is unlikely for today, but there is a higher chance for precipitation Thursday afternoon into early Friday as a cold front moves in overnight, said Fitzgerald.

Forecasted high temperatures on Friday are in the low 80s, and are predicted to drop to the low 70s for Saturday, when it's expected to rain.

Heat watch

The hot temperatures and high humidity have caused the National Weather Service to issue an excessive heat watch from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday evening for much of southeastern Pennsylvania, northern Delaware and the western part of central New Jersey.

It might seem early in the summer season for such oppressively warm weather but Greg Heavener of the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, N.J. said the heat is not unseasonable for this time of year. The first heat wave of 2010 was June 1 to 5 and the first heat wave of 2009 was April 27 to 29, he said.

The weather service defines a heat wave as three consecutive days of temperatures reaching 90 degrees or higher.

That is not expected to happen this week, as temperatures are only expected to reach into the 90s on Wednesday and Thursday, Heavener said.

Heavener urged people to use common sense: Stay in air-conditioning whenever possible, limit strenuous exercise to early morning or evening, wear light weight and loose fitting clothing and drink plenty of water.

Temperatures should become more comfortable on Friday, reaching the high 80s, and continue to fall over the weekend to about 80 degrees on Sunday and Monday, according to the weather service.

KULPMONT - In support of the American Cancer Society's annual Relay for Life fundraiser, a mini "Relay for LIFE" event was held recently for participants of the LIFE Geisinger program in Kulpmont. Approximately 80 seniors and staff enjoyed activities, games and an indoor mini relay walk.

"We are very pleased to hold this event for our participants and our staff as a way to honor loved ones who have succumbed to cancer," said Janine Haertter, director of LIFE Geisinger Transportation and Relay for LIFE chairwoman. "We plan to hold this event every year."

The LIFE Geisinger Relay team LIFE's Angels raised close to $3,000 this year, more than doubling their original goal. The money will be included in the fundraising efforts of the Relay for Life event Friday through Saturday at Silver Bowl stadium in Mount Carmel.

LIFE Geisinger serves the frail elderly in the community through on-site daily services at its day health center in Kulpmont or in the individual's own home. The program focuses on the medical, social and behavioral issues of local seniors. For more information about the LIFE Geisinger program, please call Marc Varano, outreach coordinator, at 866-230-6465 or visit www.lifegeisinger.org.

The summer months bring annual traditions to the area and over the next two weeks, one of the brightest ones will shine, all in the name of fighting cancer.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a 24-hour event designed to raise awareness and funds for programs and research to help battle cancer in its many forms.

So far, Southern Columbia and Line Mountain held their events raising a combined total of $60,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Now it is Mount Carmel's turn with the event set for Friday and Saturday, starting at 2 p.m., at the Silver Bowl.

Next week, Shamokin Area will hold its event at Kemp Memorial Stadium June 17 and 18.

At Mount Carmel, participants will follow the theme of the event, "Reaching for the Stars," says event chairperson Janine Haertter.

"With the Relay, the stars can represent those we love that we have lost to this disease, or the stars are the goal of why we do this event, to find the cure for this horrible disease," Haertter said.

The event, starting at 2 p.m. Friday, will feature several musical acts, events for all ages, the annual solemn luminaria ceremony when all activity pauses to remember those lost to cancer.

"We go 24 hours in this event, because cancer never sleeps," the chairperson said.

There will also be a survivors and caregivers ceremony, which celebrates and honors those that have won their fight, or continue to battle cancer, and the caregivers that ease their burden.

"I would hope the public comes out and supports our event," Haertter said. "The money we raise here will go a long way to caring for those with cancer. Besides that, we all have a great time out here and we want to share that."

In Shamokin, this year's event will celebrate the music of rock 'n' roll with its theme, "Rockin' Around the Relay."

With teams named the "Rockin' Relayers" and the "Sandys and Dannys," reminiscent of the main characters from the movie "Grease," Kemp Memorial Stadium will be mixing fun and philanthropy from 1 p.m. June 17 to 1 p.m. June 18.

The event will feature a performance by entertainer Vic Boris from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, a special surprise singer and the rock band Slow Motion Catastrophe from 10:30 p.m. to midnight.

In a recent letter to the editor, Relay Chairperson Kathy Masser talked about the money raised during the event.

"Sixty percent of the money that is raised by the different Relay for Life teams, including the relay held each year at Kemp Memorial Stadium in Coal Township, stays within the community, while the remaining 40 percent goes to research," Masser said. "The research dollars come back to our community every day with the treatments that people are taking that never would have been available if the research had not been done."

The annual survivor celebration and lap will start at 6 p.m. June 17, and a luminaria ceremony will be held at 9:30 p.m. with performances by Lauren Zimmerman, Brian Christiana, Angelica Masser and a special guest singer.

Shamokin's relay also features a chance for playful mischief with two events. For a donation, the public can take part in the annual pie throw with local celebrities State Rep. Kurt Masser, Coal Township Commissioner George Zalar and News-Item photographer and Sound Off editor Mike "Frog" Staugaitis as targets at 8 p.m. June 17.

At 11 a.m., current Shamokin Area School Board directors and candidates will take their turn in the water balloon chair, from 11 a.m. to noon. Those signed up to sit in the chair include current school board members Tracey Witmer and Mark Anonia and board candidates Bernie Sosnoskie and Ron McElwee.

MOUNT CARMEL - Northeast Pennsylvania singer/songwriters The Shannon Marsyada Trio will be on hand to help kick off the Mount Carmel Relay for Life event Friday.

Veterans of such legendary stages as The Bitter End, The Parkside Lounge and Characters in New York City; The September 11th Concerts; The Live at Best Buy Concert Series; The Songwriters Hall of Fame and Songwriters Circle showcases in New York City; Millennium, Launch and Steamtown Original Music showcases in Pennsylvania, the trio hails from Hazleton.

The trio consists of Shannon Marsyada on lead vocals, keyboards and guitar and Mike Marsyada on drums. On bass guitar is local art instructor Lisa Welch of Welch Art Studios, who operates teaching studios in Shamokin and Mount Carmel and taught art at both Transfiguration and Holy Spirit shools before they closed.

The band plays a mix of their own upbeat adult contemporary pop compositions as well as a variety of well known family-friendly cover tunes from the past four decades.

This month, they are set to release a CD of all original musientitled "For You" which has been in the works since last fall.

Three of the songs were recorded and produced in New York City at Peter's Planet with veteran producer Peter Bliss, who has earned gold records with such artists as Barbra Streisand and 'NSync. The remaining eight songs were recorded and produced in Pennsylvania; three with Harrisburg area producer Jason Shaffer of Full Tilt Productions in Camp Hill and the remaining five self-produced by drummer/guitarist Mike Marsyada in the band's home studio in West Hazleton.

One of the tracks on the upcoming CD, "Where Dreams Come In," will also be featured on the Songwriter's Hall of Fame New Writer's Disc later this year.

Also in the works for the trio later this year is a CD of praise and worship music in which they will collaborate with other local original musicians and songwriters. It will feature Shannon Marsyada's Christmas-themed song, "Alleluia, He Has Come."

For more information about the band, contact Shannon Marsyada on facebook or visit shannonmarsyada.com

SUNBURY - Northumberland County commissioners agreed Tuesday to reduce traveling expenses for seminars and conferences attended by county employees.

Commissioner Vinny Clausi, who made the motion to reduce the expenses, said the county paid $221,000 in travel expenses in 2010. "We have to put a stop to this," Clausi lamented.

Fellow Commissioners Frank Sawicki and Merle Phillips agreed to reduce travel expenses as much as possible among all employees, including row officers and the commissioners. The commissioners agreed to limit the amount of people attending each conference or seminar, while noting attendance at some of the events is mandatory.

The commissioners also established a new one-year lease agreement with the Northumberland County Authority that requires the county to pay approximately $4,800 per month for the parking area and building along Trevorton Road that houses the transportation, weatherization and liquid fuels departments.

The board agreed to discontinue its current contract with the state Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) because it has proven cost prohibitive. The service, which cost the county $480,000 in 2010, involves the county providing transportation services to people of various ages who cannot afford to pay their own transportation for medical appointments.

Clausi said, "We can't afford this any more. It's too costly."

The commissioners said their decision to discontinue the contract with MATP will not affect transportation services for senior citizens throughout the county or the mental health/mental retardation, Children and Youth Services and Area Agency on Aging programs.

The commissioners authorized the repayment of taxes plus interest to Mount Carmel Housing Inc. in the amount of $37,731.24 due to a recent court decision. "This is only the county's portion of the repayment and involves an assessment appeal filed in 2005 that claimed the taxes were assessed too high," Sawicki said.

Salary board members, who met before the commissioners, voted 3-1 to extend the hours of temporary, part-time senior accountant Denise Fanella by 750 hours and increase her pay rate from $35 per hour to $36.05 per hour (3 percent raise), effective Tuesday. Fanella is scheduled to work 25 hours per week until the end of the year while helping train other employees in the controller's office.

Voting in favor of the motion were Acting Controller Tony Phillips, Sawicki and Merle Phillips. Clausi voted "no."

MOUNT CARMEL - Greg Doviak, former standout football player and retired principal, will be the guest speaker at the commencement exercises for the Mount Carmel Area High School Class of 2011.

Doviak graduated from Mount Carmel Area in 1967 after becoming the first quarterback in Pennsylvania high school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards and pass for more than 1,500 yards in a season and being named a high school All-American.

He graduated from Bucknell University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science and was a three-year starter as a quarterback and defensive back. He received his master's degree from Penn State University in school administration in 1973.

He was a biology teacher and assistant principal at North Penn High School before becoming principal of Lower Moreland High School in 1987. During his tenure there, Lower Moreland received recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. He retired in 2007 and now works part time for the Pennsylvania System of Higher Education mentoring new principals.

Noteworthy

5K event benefits breast coalition

DANVILLE - The Ta-Ta Trot 5K Run/Walk will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 9, during the Sunbury Celebration on North Fourth Street. The Geisinger-sponsored event will benefit the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition in which the donation will be made in memory of Marie Lamey, R.N.

Lamey was the first nurse to serve in the Geisinger Medical Center Breast Clinic, where she served for 23 years comforting and touching patient's lives across the Susquehanna Valley as they underwent treatment for breast cancer and other breast conditions.

Victor Vogel, director of Geisinger's Cancer Institute and renowned breast cancer expert, will speak during the opening ceremony. The run/walk will also include kid's activities, a survivor ribbon fence and vendors.

A donation of $20 for teens/adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for kids is requested for participation. T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 150 registrants. Prizes will be awarded to first- and second-place runners in various age and gender categories. All participants will be eligible for door prizes.

Community service Saturday

COAL TOWNSHIP - Participants in a community service program coordinated by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III are requested to meet at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Coal Bowl on Tioga Street.

Food Pantry distribution

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Borough Food Pantry is having its monthly distribution from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Notary Shop, Oak Street. Please bring green bags to be filled.

Friday, June 17

1 p.m. - Opening lap with all participants.

2 to 3:30 p.m. - Live broadcast from 94KX.

3:30 to 5:30 p.m. - Live broadcast from T-102.

6 p.m. - Survivor Celebration with a dinner to follow.

6:30 p.m. - Surprise guest singer.

7 to 8 p.m. - Performance by Vic Boris.

8 p.m. - Pie in the face contest, featuring local celebrities Mike "Frog" Staugaitis, News-Item Sound Off editor, State Rep. Kurt Masser, and Coal Township Commissioner George Zalar and many more to be announced.

8:30 to 9:15 p.m. - Performance by the surprise guest singer.

9:30 p.m. - Luminaria ceremony and PowerPoint presentation with music from Lauren Zimmerman, Brian Christiana, Angelica Masser and the guest singer.

10:30 p.m. to midnight - Performance by rock band Slow Motion Catastrophe.

Saturday, June 18

Midnight - Pizza party.

Midnight until ? - Karaoke Dance Party.

8 to 10 a.m. - Live broadcast from Bill 95.

9 a.m. - Penny walk registration.

10 a.m. - Penny walk begins.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Music provided by DJ Jacob Nye.

11 a.m. to noon - Water balloon chair with guest celebrities school board members Tracey Witmer and Mark Anonia and candidates Ron McElwee and Bernie Sosnoskie and possible others.

Noon to 12:30 p.m. - Raffle winners drawn and announced.

12:45 p.m. - Closing ceremony.

SUNBURY - The Northumberland County Board of Commissioners, in cooperation with the Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, is pleased to announce the Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

The program sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, is offering eligible senior citizens who reside in Northumberland County an opportunity to obtain $20 in vouchers to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables from participating farm markets.

Northumberland County residents who are age 60 or older, (including those who will reach their 60th birthday by Dec. 31, 2011); and who meet the gross income guidelines may apply. All income must be taken into consideration, which includes Social Security, Black Lung, SSI and all pensions.

The official income guidelines for this year's program are as follows: $20,147 for a single person, $27,214 for a couple, $34,281 for three people and $41,348 for four people.

Proof of age/residency is necessary, and proof of income is self-declared. Senior citizens must sign the designated register when they receive the vouchers and eligible senior citizens may receive the vouchers only once per calendar year. Proxy forms are available for home bound consumers. The proxy form must be signed by the consumer requesting vouchers and also by the person (who is the proxy) delivering the vouchers. The form is then returned to the Senior Action Center before vouchers will be distributed.

Vouchers will be distributed by the Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging on a first-come basis until Sept. 30 or until the supply is exhausted. Vouchers are redeemable until Nov. 30.

The vouchers are now available daily, at all 11 Northumberland County Senior Action Centers from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. contact a local senior action center for more information.

A story in Wednesday's edition stating that all kindergarten students at Line Mountain would attended Trevorton Elementary School next school year was incorrect. What has changed is that all Lower Augusta Township students will attend Trevorton. Previously, parents from that municipality had a choice between attending Trevorton or Dalmatia in the kindergarten through fourth-grade years. This school year, a process began to phase all Lower Augusta students to Trevorton by assigning all of the 2010-11 Lower Augusta kindergarten students to Trevorton, but state budget cuts have forced the district to expedite that transition starting in 2011-12. Meanwhile, Leck Kill Elementary School's border will expand by moving further west and Dalmatia Elementary's borders will be shrinking to the north and east.

SUNBURY - Due to an increasing population and for security reasons, female inmates at Northumberland County Prison will be moved from their current quarters into 14 renovated cells under the right wing.

Warden Roy Johnson reported at Wednesday's prison board meeting that the overall prison population continues to grow. He noted a significant increase in the female population, which prompted officials to move the females into a more secure area similar to cells housing the male inmates. The female population will remain segregated from the male inmates.

As of Wednesday, the prison population was 225, including 186 males and 39 females.

Northumberland County President Judge Robert B. Sacavage, a prison board member, applauded Johnson for making renovations to housing quarters at the prison that will make females eligible for work release.

Johnson commended several female inmates who are planting a vegetable garden at the prison. He said local vendors have donated plants for the garden.

In other business

The prison board authorized Johnson to immediately take steps to repair a heavily deteriorated section of wall on the northeast side of the prison facing Arch Street. Sacavage made a motion seconded by District Attorney Tony Rosini to declare the interior wall an emergency situation and have repairs made as soon as possible.

The repairs are scheduled to cost approximately $7,500.

Two other badly deteriorated sections of the wall also will be repaired in the near future. The total cost of the wall repairs is estimated at $15,000.

Commissioners Frank Sawicki, Merle Phillips and Vinny Clausi, who are all prison board members as well, voiced their full support for the wall project, which will be paid with general funds.

Board members discussed options to rectify the food bid process at the prison that has become a problem since the commissioners requested vendors to commit to certain prices for six months in their contracts.

Johnson said only a couple bidders were willing to commit to a six-month contract at fixed prices. He said companies like Aramark and Canteen are willing to provide food products with a specific mark up, but aren't willing to bid line items under the current system.

Prison board members agreed to study their options further before making a final decision on the food bidding process.

Johnson said the prison spent approximately $360,000 on its culinary department in 2010. The warden said he is confident the prison can save approximately 40 percent on food purchases by choosing a new bidding process, if food prices don't continue to escalate.

Sawicki introduced Wendy Confair of Millersburg as the new home administration service registered nurse for Prime Care Medical Inc., which provides medical services at the prison. Confair, who began her duties three weeks ago, replaces Dondalynn Snyder, who resigned to take a position at another prison.

Rosini questioned a significant increase in nursing physicals listed on the medical report. The number of physicals increased from 53 to 128 in recent months.

Johnson said the increased prison population and the fact not all inmates are given physicals right away upon entering the facility are the reasons for the dramatic increases in physicals. He said all inmates are required to have a physical conducted by a nurse or doctor within 15 days of their commitment.

The board held a brief executive session at the end of the 60-minute meeting to discuss litigation matters.

BLOOMSBURG - The valedictorian of the Southern Columbia Area Class of 2011 found words of wisdom recently from a surprising source - in a fortune cookie.

It read "don't wait for others to open the right doors for you," said Erin Eichen Wednesday night to the 99 other members of her class at the Haas Center for the Arts Mitrini Hall, Bloomsburg University.

"We can't wait for others to show us what to do in life. No matter what your plans are for after high school, a new door is always waiting to be opened. All we need to do is take action and open the doors to our future," she said.

She encouraged her fellow classmates to set their goals high and never give up.

"No one knows what direction our lives may take us or where we might end up, but this is just the beginning," she said.

While it might be the end of their high school career, she said, they now have the opportunity to chase their dreams by using the lessons they learned from their mistakes and experiences during the last four years.

"By doing this, we will be

able to open any door we want in the future," she said.

In a similar message, Ryan Mensch - the high school English teacher - said the class has a small window of opportunity to become what they want to become with ease.

"It never closes fully, but it is never more wide open than it is right now," said Mensch.

The students will scatter in different directions, but regardless of where they go, the only way each will be happy, successful and reach personal goals is to be his or her own person, he said.

"Chase your dreams" with no regrets, enthusiasm and through the open window, he said.

Salutatorian Alex Sassani said the school has been a shelter for them the past 12 years, but the shell must be broken.

"We cannot be content to just go with the flow, if we hope to succeed in life. You must work and persevere to achieve your goals rather than shy away from challenges," he said.

Life will always have obstacles - "Like Kid Cudi, we are all on the pursuit of happiness and everything that shines ain't always going to be gold," he said - but these difficulties are tests to their character, and only the strong and enduring will prevail.

Class President Aleaha Jones said graduation marks a new beginning, quoting Francos Rabelais' last words of "I got to seek a Great Perhaps."

"Today we are all prepared to follow our own Great Perhaps into a future that is promising and uncertain," she said. "Just as we will take our diplomas home with us today, we also take with us the memories and experiences of Southern Columbia, everything that has prepared us for our perhaps."

The graduating members of the Southern Columbia Area Class of 2011 are Cenan Abdul-Al, Telsa Achy, Dante Anskis, Timothy Benner, Eleni Bennett, Jeremy Berkheiser, JoEllen Blass, Claire Brassard, Rebecca Bryden, Frank Buck, Desirae Buxton, Molly Carl, Lindsey Clark, Sarah Cotter, Samantha Counsil, Nicholas Cove, Cody Croall, Kelsey Damagard, Gabrielle DeBach, Michael Dobson, Brett Duell, Erin Eichen, Vanessa Erdman, Cortnie Ettinger, Alex Fidler, Jessica Fink, Melena Gallina, Kale Graboski, Alisha Gutekunst, Tessa Haas, Ariana Hajdu, Dakota Hays, Kurt Henrie, Matthew Hoffman, Douglas Honabach, Austin James, Aleaha Jones, Paula Kester, Taylor Kilmer, Robert Knause, Elise Krankoski, Taylor Kreischer, Brenda Krock, Kathleen Lazarski, Adam Leisenring, Robert Leshinski, Katelyn Madara, Zachary Malett, Alexa Marinelli, Jordan Marks, Jessica McKenney, Christopher Medon, Logen Mensinger, Westley Mills, Michael Moore, Jacob Morton, Erin Moser, Chase Moyer, David Nagle, Blake Nevius, Janessa Nichols, Alexandra Oley, Brooke Pavlick, Alyssa Piez, Grant Rarig, Sara Raup, Hayden Reed, Renee Rhoades, Taylor Rhodes, James Ridner, Micaela Riley, Ashley Roberts, Elizabeth Rogers, Cody Rosenberger, Jesse Rutkoski, Alex Sassani, Zachary Schreffler, Rachael Scicchitano, Rebecca Shoup, Taylor Shutt, Mackenzie Silver, Ethan Snyder, Ben Sorensen, Frederick Spaid, Kathryn Springer, Ian Stout, Misty Straub, Cody Swanger, Taylor Toczylousky, Tyler Torres, Jacob Townsend, Brian Watkins, Joshua Weiss, Joshua Wells, Marcus Wengrenovich, Shannon West, Sarah Yeager, Colton Yeick, Emily Yoder and Karissa Zins.

The 2011 Distinguished Alumnus Recognition Award went to Clay Yeager, class of 1969. He has served the interest of at-risk children for over 36 years in the public, private and non-profit sectors.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area High School ends the 2010-11 school year today with renewed optimism for addressing bullying.

Members of the Students Against Bullying (SAB) club say they will continue their effort to end bullying at their school when they return in the fall.

"It's more than just a club," said Khristi Taylor, a junior. "It's something we really want to keep going. We want the bullying to stop."

SAB was initiated five years ago with one teacher, but now involves four different student groups and approximately 35 students.

"Our goal is for this to be a place where students are free to learn and develop without the limitations of bullying," said Jim Dressler, one of the teachers who work with the group.

One of the goals is to raise awareness about an issue affecting schools across the nation.

"It's really a problem here at the school, and most people don't realize it," said Taylor.

The students said harassment has become more extreme in recent years due to the use of cell phones and the Internet.

"It was always a problem, but it changed with the technology," said junior Blair Faust. "It's not just in school now."

That trend played out locally earlier this year with the suicide of a Line Mountain High School student, whose death is blamed on cyberbullying.

'Intimate' approach

To help raise awareness, SAB sponsors "bully-free days," where faculty, staff and students wear anti-bullying T-shirts designed by the group.

"It has always been there, but it has become more extreme," said Dressler. "We wanted to address the issue more intimately."

About a year and a half ago, the group started a "Breakfast Club," where students meet once a month, occasionally once a week, to talk with other students about their experiences with bullying, current issues or support those who are being bullied.

"I think it's helping; we get a lot of positive feedback," said Dressler. "It's therapeutic for all involved."

SAB members said the number of students coming to meet and talk with them shows they are making a difference.

"It's nice to see that we are getting the message out there," said Faust.

Student-led effort

The group had its origins in the 2006 statewide Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, which trained teachers and parents how to prevent bullying. But SAB shows the transition of students becoming more involved with the issue.

"I found that it needed to be student-led," said Dressler. "We have to deal with the issues as well, so the faculty will always play a big part for this organization."

During seventh-grade orientation, the group informed the new junior high students what they can do about bullying and how they can get involved with the group.

"We have to get more students involved," said Faust. "We see it up close. Kids can't be afraid to step in."

The group has also made anti-bullying announcements during radio broadcasts on Big Country Radio.

Although the group consists of a few seniors, most of the group consists of juniors and sophomores. The returning students said the group will be sponsoring more bully-free days and they plan more activities to get the whole school more involved.

"I know it will be hard," said Taylor, "But I know we can stop the bullying."

by justin strawser

SUNBURY - The four medals presented to a mother of a deceased veteran, originally from Elysburg, Wednesday afternoon have been a long time coming.

"This is long overdue. Joseph deserved these medals a long time ago," said U.S. Rep. Tom Marino (R-10), who presented the medals at the ceremony at the Sunbury VFW Thomas Brill Post, 2 Shikellamy Road.

He added, "I apologize that you are just now receiving

these, and I will work on preventing something like this from happening in the future."

Josette Zielinski was presented with a National Defense Service Medal, an Army Good Conduct Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Medal and a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

Before the ceremony, she said, "All I ever wanted from the Army was acknowledgement of what Joe did. Nothing will bring closure to us, but I want his girls to know what their daddy did."

Spc. Joseph Zielinski, 26, died in November 2008 at Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic, New York, after an unexpected illness. He served in the U.S. Army repairing radios, computers and other technology from 2001 to 2005, including service in Iraq and Kuwait, and was honorably discharged Oct. 15, 2005.

He was also the son of Joseph E. Zielinski Sr. and the husband of Sheena Bergeron. He is also survived by four daughters, Samantha, Gabrielle, Josette and Austina.

Josette and her husband have been locked in a battle since before their son's death in 2008 to get him the medical help and recognition he deserved. They have recently enlisted the assistance of Marino, who acknowledged Wednesday that his office was looking into how Zielinski "fell through the cracks."

Two months after her son returned to his home in New York, she said the problems started.

"We got a call from his wife, saying he tore the mattress off the bed and put her in a choke hold. He was literally fighting a battle," she said.

He was afraid to sleep and often stayed up all night holding their newborn child to stay awake. He would experience intense migraines from a brain injury, flashbacks and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. His teeth were also rotting, an effect from a pill addiction.

According to his stories, said his mother, he would volunteer for missions and spend a lot of time on the front lines.

After an explosion that killed a fellow soldier, he "spit out pieces of his buddy's brain," she said. "He had seen more than we could have ever known."

The coroner, said Josette Zielinski, reported that he died of a heart attack, but a severe brain edema caused by traumatic brain injury contributed to his deteriorating health and death.

"After he died, we found a sticky note with a prayer, asking God to take his soul to heaven," she said. "He knew he was dying. He didn't let on how much he suffered."

However, for one reason or another, which is now being investigated by Marino's office, he was denied the help he needed.

It was a bittersweet day for Josette, as Wednesday was her birthday.

"He (Joseph) used to call me at 5:30 in the morning to be the first to wish me a happy birthday," she said, noting that she felt his presence during the presentation.

State Rep. Kurt Masser (D-107), whose office is in Zielinski's hometown, was also in attendance and said his heart went out to the family.

"We're righting a wrong," he said.

SHIPPENSBURG - Ryan Chase Boyer graduated from Shippensburg University May 7, during the commencement ceremony in Seth Grove Stadium. While attending Shippensburg, he was a member of the cross country and track and field teams.

Boyer was a two-time conference qualifier and a one-time regional qualifier for cross country. He was also a two-time All-Conference member of the 4x8 team and two-time member of the PSAC Conference championship team.

He completed his bachelor's degree in geoenvironmental studies and received certification in geographical information systems.

Boyer was a two-time medalist for Shamokin Area High School and a four-time district medalist. He then completed his high school running career at Southern Columbia, where he was a two-time medalist, and won the silver medal 4x4 team. He was also an eight-time district medalist and a three-time district champion.

He is a son of Rob and Renee Boyer, and brother of Randon Boyer. He is a grandson of Roger and MaryEllen Derk, of Shamokin, and Roger and Dianna Boyer, of Shamokin, and a great-grandson of Marie Kramer, of Shamokin.